17 March
European research satellite GOCE in orbit
The European Space Agency’s GOCE research satellite, for which Astrium provided the platform, was launched
on 17 March by a Rockot vehicle from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in Russia. GOCE will measure the Earth’s
gravitational field more precisely than ever before to improve our understanding of the climate.
27 February
Infoterra-developed service for wine growers wins award
The Oenoview service for the wine growing industry developed by Astrium’s subsidiary Infoterra with the
French Institut Coopératif du Vin took the bronze medal in the ‘Agriculture and New Technologies’ category
at the Paris International Agriculture Show. Oenoview uses satellite imagery analysis to carefully monitor vine
growth and identify differences in grape quality from one plot of land to the next or within a single plot.
23 February
One year of the Passerel service
The Passerel service provided by Astrium Services which enables French troops overseas to stay in contact
with friends and families back home has celebrated one year of operation. In mid-January 2008, initial Passerel
telephone and internet installation began. French troops made the first phone calls on 30 January 2008. On 23
February 2009, the next phase of Passerel telephone and Internet cards was launched.
18 February
Thai Earth observation system THEOS commences service
Following its 1 October 2008 launch, in-orbit tests of the THEOS observation satellite developed by Astrium for
the Thai Space Agency (GISTDA), were successfully completed in December. The system has been officially
accepted by GISTDA, which has now taken over responsibility for operations.
12 February
Launch of Hot Bird 10 and Spirale
The first Ariane 5 mission of 2009 successfully launched three Astrium-primed satellites: the Hot Bird 10
broadcast satellite for operator Eutelsat and the two microsatellites of the Spirale early-warning system
demonstrator for the French MoD. Astrium is single prime contractor for the Ariane 5 system.
4 February
Two new satellites for Arabsat
The Saudi-Arabian operator Arabsat selected the Astrium–Thales Alenia Space consortium to build and deliver
in orbit two new communications satellites, Arabsat 5C and Arabsat 6B. Astrium, the leading partner, will
supply the Eurostar E3000 platforms and integrate the satellites. Both satellites will weigh less than 5 tonnes
and will be launched in 2010–12 by Ariane 5
30 January
Astrium to build 35 new Ariane 5 launchers
Astrium Space Transportation and Arianespace signed a contract for the production of 35 Ariane 5 ECA
launchers (the ‘PB’ batch). These PB batch launchers will be used starting in the second half of 2010, after
the 30 Ariane 5 launchers ordered in 2004 (the ‘PA’ batch). Astrium is the sole prime contractor for Ariane
5, delivering a complete, tested and integrated launcher to Arianespace at the Space Centre in Kourou,
French Guiana. Astrium manages all industry contracts for the 12 countries which are partners in the Ariane
programme.
13 January
Astrium acquires world leader in small satellites
Astrium acquired Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), specialist in the design and manufacture of small
satellites and subsystems. SSTL has built its worldwide reputation in small satellites through the development
of innovative technologies which have lowered the cost of operational space missions.
